The 2024 NHL offseason has launched with a barrage of moves as teams gear up to reshape their rosters. Major trades and signings have marked this period, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting upcoming season.
Florida Panthers' Triumph and Moves
Fresh off their scintillating win in the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers, where they clinched the series in a nail-biting Game 7, the Florida Panthers are not resting on their laurels. The Panthers have inked forward Sam Reinhart to a lucrative eight-year, $69 million contract extension. Reinhart, who was instrumental during the playoffs by netting the game-winning goal and tallying 10 goals overall, is now secured with an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million. This move underscores the Panthers' commitment to building a sustained contender around their core players.
Draft Highlights
The San Jose Sharks made headlines by selecting Macklin Celebrini as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. Celebrini's selection is anticipated to be a cornerstone for the Sharks as they seek to rebuild and inject youth into their lineup.
Lightning Strikes with Guentzel
The Tampa Bay Lightning have also been active, signing Jake Guentzel to a seven-year, $63 million deal, which carries an AAV of $9 million. The Lightning acquired Guentzel's negotiating rights from the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2025 third-round pick, laying the groundwork for this significant acquisition. Additionally, the Lightning traded defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club during the draft, signaling a strategic shift in their defensive lineup.
Islanders Secure Duclair
The New York Islanders bolstered their offensive depth by signing Anthony Duclair to a four-year contract. Duclair, who split last season between the San Jose Sharks and the Tampa Bay Lightning, scored 24 goals and contributed to his teams' performances. With 303 career points to his name, comprising 146 goals and 157 assists, Duclair's addition is expected to inject both skill and experience into the Islanders' forward group.
Kraken Anchor Key Players
The Seattle Kraken have made significant additions by agreeing to a seven-year contract with Chandler Stephenson, whose contract has an AAV of $6.25 million. Stephenson has consistently tallied at least 50 points in each of the past three seasons, providing reliability and playmaking ability. The Kraken also signed defenseman Brandon Montour to a seven-year, $50 million deal, which includes an AAV of $7.14 million. Montour's three goals and eight assists during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs highlighted his ability to contribute offensively from the blue line.
Columbus Reunites Gaudreau and Monahan
Reunions are a theme in Columbus, as the Blue Jackets signed Sean Monahan to a five-year contract worth $5.5 million annually. This brings Monahan together with Johnny Gaudreau, who joined Columbus in the 2022 offseason. This reunion is expected to revive the chemistry that made them a dynamic duo in previous years.
Canucks and Predators Make Strategic Signings
The Vancouver Canucks added winger Jake DeBrusk on a seven-year deal with an annual value of $5.5 million. DeBrusk, who posted 40 points in the 2023-24 season, is seen as a strategic reinforcement for the Canucks' attack.
The Nashville Predators have been proactive, signing Brady Skjei to a seven-year contract worth $7 million annually. The Predators are also on the verge of signing Steven Stamkos to a four-year deal at $8 million per season and Jonathan Marchessault to a five-year deal at $5.5 million per season. Stamkos, with 1,137 career points, and Marchessault, a reliable scorer, are expected to significantly bolster Nashville's offensive capabilities.
Maple Leafs Shoring Up Defense
The Toronto Maple Leafs addressed their defensive depth by signing Chris Tanev to a six-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million. Acquired from the Dallas Stars, Tanev's addition is meant to fortify the Leafs' blue line. Despite playing only 19 games last season, Tanev's experience and defensive acumen are highly valued by the Maple Leafs' management.
Hurricanes Hold On to Slavin
Lastly, the Carolina Hurricanes secured an essential piece of their defense by extending Jaccob Slavin's contract for eight years with a $6.5 million AAV. Slavin compiled 37 points last season, highlighting his role as an offensive contributor and a defensive stalwart.
As these moves unfold, the landscape of the NHL continues to evolve, with teams strategically positioning themselves for success in the 2024-2025 season. The aggressive signings and trades this offseason reflect the competitive nature of the league, as franchises strive to improve and chase the coveted Stanley Cup.